Real Sociedad have reportedly told Martin Zubimendi to pay his release clause and make his move to Liverpool, as things could be complicated.
According to The Times, Real Sociedad have asked Martin Zubimendi to trigger his own release clause at the La Liga offices to leave the club and move to Liverpool. This is a new tactic from the Spanish side to increase the pressure on the midfielder to make his decision, which does reveal how they want the transfer done.
Liverpool learn Martin Zubimendi’s mechanism
Back in the summer of 2020, Arsenal was chasing Thomas Partey and eager to structure a deal for the Ghanaian. However, Atletico Madrid asked the midfielder to pay his release clause, so the Gunners had to pay the entire £45 million release clause for the enforcer to La Liga and get the player on deadline day.
Real Sociedad are applying similar tactics to Martin Zubimendi, as they desperately want to keep the midfielder. They have even made a last-ditch attempt to keep him by offering a bumper new deal that will make the Spaniard one of the highest-paid players at the club.
They have told Zubimendi to pay his release clause to La Liga offices and make the Liverpool move. This is a broad indication that the suitor must pay the entire release clause in full to seal the deal, as Sociedad might not be open to negotiations.
There are other mechanisms, like offering more money than the £51 million-rated Euro 2024 winner’s release clause. Sociedad might accept the other way, although they are currently firm on their stance to want the entire clause paid in full in one shot.
Liverpool confident of Zubimendi deal
Some doubts have been creeping in at Liverpool about Zuboimendi’s decision to switch to Anfield. Many insiders feel the midfielder is reluctant to leave his boyhood club, although the Merseysiders are confident of sealing the move.
Liverpool have also secured permission to talk to the player directly, which could eventually lead to an outcome. For now, there’s a 50/50 chance of Zubimendi leaving, although the Merseysiders are eager to get this deal over the line and integrate the £51 million-rated Euro 2024 winner into Arne Slot’s side as soon as possible.
